A new work for bass clarinet quartet, Terra explores four unique environments and landscapes found throughout the Earth.
The first movement, "Desert Winds," focuses on the power and isolation of heat and the fluctuation of wind that sculpts sand dunes and reshapes the landscape. Dissonance in the lower register of the bass clarinet represents the building and dismantling of the terrain, while the players conclude the movement with the haunting presence of the night winds.
"Celtic Hills" evokes the joy and vibrancy of the Irish hillside and the adventurous imagery of ancient castles and villages, underpinned by a rich culture of dance and celebratory music.
The third movement, "The Rainforest Floor," explores the endless stream of life that finds its home on the floors of our world’s most biodiverse regions. The double trills used in each part are intended to convey the chaos of the ecosystem, followed by call-and-response themes that highlight the sensitive but necessary relationships upon which creatures, plants, and human overseers depend.
Finishing the work is the fourth movement, "The American Great Plains." Intended to convey the majesty and purity of the North American Continent’s vast center, this movement showcases themes that are both contemplative and celebratory of the beauty found within the region.